Freshwater Molluscs in the Gangetic Riverine System: Present Status of Diversity and Emerging Threats

By : Ashish Sahu , Pramila Sahadevan

Page No: 91-98

Abstract
Ganga basin is the largest river basin in India in terms of the catchment area, constituting more than 20% of the country’s landmass and supporting about more than 40% of its population. This mighty river is the home for some of the rarest and strangest animals on the planet. Previous documentations on the diversity of Himalayan rivers show that they are increasingly vulnerable to a wide variety of anthropogenic activities. The faunal components of the river, both invertebrates and vertebrates have been stressed due to a variety of reasons. Macroinvertebrates such as molluscs are a significant component of the riverine resources which also have a major role in maintaining the ecosystem health. As per studies conducted from November 2020 to October 2021, diversity of freshwater molluscs in this river has been recorded as 12 bivalves and ten gastropods. In this review impacts of major threats to Ganga river molluscs such as low water level, habitat destruction, agricultural runoff and pollution, over-harvesting, dams, urban development and sand mining have been discussed. Considerably lower diversity in comparison to other parts have been recorded in the middle stretch covering Prayagraj to Kanpur. Thus, it would be ideal to conduct comprehensive studies aiming at the assessment of diversity and conservation of molluscs in this river system. Despite the absence of organised fishery, the river Ganga, provides employment and livelihood support to the fisherfolk of adjacent villages. Hence it would be worthwhile to consider initiating efforts for improving the quality of this riverine system with well-defined action plans aiming at pollution abatement measures and sustainability of the resource.

Authors :
Ashish Sahu And Pramila Sahadevan  
Faculty of Fisheries, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Cochin, Kerala, India
 

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32381/JAT.2023.38.1-4.8